KIDS KREATIVE KORNER SUCCESS IN A HOME-BASED BUSINESS

Marc James Went Looking for Cash and Began a Business Out of His Home. Now His Cash Flow is Just Fine, Thank You.

By Bonnie Drew 

When Marc James was a 13-year-old junior high school student, he desperately wanted some cool clothes and an expensive stereo system. However, he had no money. Looking for a way to jump-start his cash flow, Marc decide to start a flyer delivery business to service his Sacramento, CA neighborhood. Several factors influenced his choice:

(1) Marc had previously done this job for his dad and it paid well.

(2) Very little startup money was needed. His product was simply his time and labor (a service).

(3) There were lots of fast-food restaurants in Sacramento that Marc believed would become his customers.

After registering his business name and Sacramento Postal Delivery, he printed some business cards and was ready to try his ideas. "I was really nervous when I made my first sales call," Marc says. "But I was right about targeting the fast-food restaurants."

His very first customer was a pizza restaurant. "I was pumped after that," he jokes. " love making money."

Today, Marc's business provides income for several people besides himself. "I've learned to keep careful records of all my expenses on every job," he explains. "It's the only way to keep tabs on my cash flow."

Marc pays two friends a 20 percent commission on the sales they make. He hires younger family members for $25 a day to help deliver the flyers. After paying himself a salary, Marc puts a percentage of the profit into a savings account for future operating expenses. He no longer worries about where to get money for his next pair of high-tops and hopes to one day buy his own truck. 

Bonnie Drew is the author of FAST CASH FOR KIDS (2nd edition), published by Career Press (1-800-227-3371). She is also the creator of the KIDS BUSINESS software for young entrepreneurs, available from Homeland Publications (713-332-9764).

Drew is also Editor of Young Entrepreneur magazine, published by Kid's Way, Inc., a company that helps youth prepare for business and the workplace of the 21st century. For more information, write to Kid's Way at 5589 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 or call toll free 1-888-KidsWay (1-888-543-7929).